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Interparliamentary relations between Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom receive new impetus
26.02.2026On 25 February, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries with Speaker of the House of Commons of the British Parliament Lindsay Hoyle. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Turkmen side noted the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary ties and expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts in this direction. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the provisions of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding and the active work of parliamentary friendship groups. In addition, a meeting was held in the House of Commons of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Central Asian Countries, chaired by Pam Cox.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom strengthen parliamentary cooperation
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, took part in a meeting of the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries with the Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Lindsay Hoyle. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the consistent efforts to strengthen interparliamentary ties. In this context, the implementation of the provisions of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding, as well as the active work of parliamentary friendship groups, were highlighted. In addition, a meeting was held in the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Central Asian Countries, headed by Pam Cox.
Rashid Meredov took part in a meeting with the British Defence Secretary
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, took part in a meeting of the Heads of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries with the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Rodney Coaker. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, issues of regional security, strengthening mutual understanding and developing dialogue between the states of Central Asia and the United Kingdom were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience in the field of professional training, as well as to improving mechanisms for responding to modern challenges and threats. The participants emphasised the importance of maintaining constructive and trusting cooperation aimed at strengthening stability and security at both the regional and international levels.
The Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan met with Prince Edward
26.02.2026On 25 February, a meeting between Rashid Meredov, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, took place at Lancaster House. The parties exchanged views on further strengthening Turkmen-British ties, noting their steady development, including in the fields of culture and education, according to the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On the same day, during a joint working lunch of the Heads of Foreign Ministries of Central Asian countries with the participation of the Duke of Edinburgh, the importance of the upcoming first ministerial meeting in the ‘Central Asia-UK’ format was emphasised as an important step towards deepening multilateral cooperation. The Turkmen side expressed its gratitude for the warm welcome and noted its respect for the United Kingdom as a country with a rich cultural and diplomatic heritage. The significant potential for expanding cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, along with the development of political and economic interaction, was emphasised. Particular mention was made of the high level of interest in Turkmenistan in learning English and British culture, as well as the importance of educational and academic exchanges, including the Chevening Scholarships programme. Examples of the intensification of cultural dialogue include the Scottish dance evening ‘Ceilidh’ held in Ashgabat, the installation of a monument to William Shakespeare in the capital of Turkmenistan, and the release of a BBC documentary about the leopards of Kopetdag.
New cooperation projects between Turkmenistan and the EBRD discussed in London
26.02.2026On the afternoon of 25 February, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the conversation, the parties discussed issues related to expanding financial and investment cooperation and implementing joint projects. The minister noted that Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to strengthening international partnerships, including intensifying cooperation with authoritative financial institutions. In this regard, the effective nature of the country's long-standing cooperation with the EBRD was emphasised. The Head of the bank confirmed her institution's interest in further expanding mutually beneficial contacts. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of projects to create an ‘East-West’ international transport corridor. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to consider specific proposals from the EBRD on participation in initiatives in this area. Increased cooperation in the energy sector was also identified as a priority. Broad opportunities for EBRD participation in sustainable energy projects were noted. Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further steady development of cooperation.
Priorities for partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN defined
26.02.2026On 25 February, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan hosted a hybrid meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Framework Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, relevant ministries and sectoral agencies of the country, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, as well as heads and staff of structural units of the UN system. The meeting was devoted to summarising the results of joint work for 2025 and discussing priority areas of cooperation and work plans for 2026. Participants reviewed the key results of the Framework Programme's implementation and familiarised themselves with the findings of the Common Country Analysis, which is used in planning programme activities and monitoring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova noted that the Framework Programme remains the main strategic document defining the priorities for cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system. It was emphasised that the document forms the long-term basis for partnership with the UN and its agencies. In this regard, it was recalled that in October 2025, as part of the events dedicated to UN Day, a new Framework Programme for Cooperation for 2026-2030 was signed. The Turkmen side also noted the importance of the International Forum in Ashgabat, timed to coincide with the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality and the International Day of Neutrality. Following the meeting, it was emphasised that further cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN and its member states will be developed taking into account the national priorities announced at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Among the key areas identified are peace, the environmental agenda, social development and the strengthening of international cooperation.
Turkmenistan delegation holds negotiations in the United Kingdom
26.02.2026On 24 February, a working visit by a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland began. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. On 25 February, in the first half of the day, the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan met with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez. The parties discussed issues of cooperation in the field of maritime transport and international shipping. It was noted that strengthening cooperation with relevant international structures remains an important area of work. Turkmenistan is systematically working to comply with the requirements of international conventions in the field of maritime transport, introduce modern shipping safety standards and improve the regulatory framework. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan is consistently promoting the transport agenda at the United Nations, advocating for its comprehensive consideration at the global level. Special mention was made of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in August 2025 in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. On the same day, the third round of the ‘Structural Dialogue’ between the foreign ministries of the two countries was opened at the British Foreign Office. The negotiations were attended by Rashid Meredov and Hamish Falconer, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister. The parties noted the positive dynamics of political dialogue and trade and economic cooperation, emphasising the need to make fuller use of the existing potential, including within the framework of the Turkmen-British Trade and Industry Council. In the field of education and culture, Turkmenistan expressed great interest in learning English and expressed its readiness to expand cooperation with relevant British institutions. Regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, were also discussed. Following the meeting, a Cooperation Programme between the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan and the UK for 2026-2027 was signed. Negotiations continued at the level of heads of relevant departments.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to IRENA has assumed his duties
26.02.2026On 24 February, in Abu Dhabi, Bayram Bayramov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the UAE, presented his credentials to Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. From that moment on, the Turkmen diplomat officially took office as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the organisation. After the ceremony, negotiations were held, during which the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation. The focus was on joint initiatives for the production of ‘green’ hydrogen and the introduction of renewable energy technologies into Turkmenistan's energy system. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue strategic dialogue, emphasising the importance of Turkmenistan for regional energy security and the development of international environmental diplomacy.
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom strengthen cooperation in education
26.02.2026As part of a consistent state policy led by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom are taking their cooperation in the field of education to a new practical level. The signing of four cooperation documents was a logical outcome of efforts to expand international partnerships and introduce advanced educational practices, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. • Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of skills certification between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and ‘Pearson’. The aim is to introduce internationally recognised qualifications, digital assessment and pilot mechanisms for measuring learning outcomes to improve educational programmes and recognise the competences of graduates at the international level. • Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of educational assessment between the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and ‘AQA Global Assessment Services Ltd.’ The document aims to improve the quality of assessment in schools and vocational education, develop the competencies of specialists, improve test materials and ensure the transparency and comparability of results. • Memorandum of Understanding between the National Institute of Education of Turkmenistan and the Norwich Institute for Language Education (NILE). The cooperation is focused on improving the qualifications of teachers, developing teaching methods, creating professional communities and introducing models of continuous professional development and mentoring. • Memorandum of Understanding between the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and Nottingham Trent University. The document focuses on joint educational initiatives, applied training programmes, academic exchanges and strengthening the practice-oriented component of higher education. After the signing, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Atayev held negotiations with representatives of ‘Pearson’, ‘AQA Global Assessment Services Ltd’, Norwich Institute for Language Education and Nottingham Trent University. The plans include the creation of joint working groups, the development of technical tasks and roadmaps with pilot projects, indicators and responsible parties. The signed memoranda confirm the parties' readiness to cooperate through specific projects aimed at improving the quality of education and developing human capital in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan and Ethiopia discussed the development of diplomatic and economic ties
26.02.2026Turkmenistan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, met with Ethiopia's new Ambassador to Pakistan, Oumer Hussein Oba. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Turkmen diplomat congratulated his colleague on his appointment and wished him success in his work. The parties discussed the prospects for Turkmen-Ethiopian cooperation, expressing interest in developing political dialogue and trade and economic ties, and exchanged views on the current regional situation and transport and economic ties. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their desire to strengthen friendship and coordinate efforts in the international arena.
Indian Ambassador familiarises himself with the economic and cultural potential of Mary velayat
25.02.2026Bandaru Wilsonbabu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Turkmenistan, paid an official visit to Mary velayat, combining economic agenda and cultural dialogue. This was reported by the Orient news agency. During the Diplomat's meetings with the Governor of Mary velayat, Dovranberdi Annaberdiyev, and the Mayor of Mary city, Artyk Byashimov, they discussed the expansion of trade and economic ties, including the format of direct interaction between Mary velayat and five industrially developed states of India. This approach opens up opportunities for the exchange of experience in the agricultural sector, technology and textile industry. The cultural part of the visit included the opening of the Indian Film Festival and events aimed at strengthening humanitarian dialogue. Special attention was paid to yoga as an element of cultural diplomacy and intercultural rapprochement. The Indian side confirmed its readiness to deepen partnership and exchange experience, noting the importance of the Mary velayat in the development of bilateral relations.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Federal Minister of Energy of Pakistan
25.02.2026The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, held a meeting with the Federal Minister of Energy of Pakistan, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The main topic of the talks was strengthening bilateral energy partnership and increasing regional interconnectivity. The parties emphasised the strategic nature of their relations and the transition to the practical implementation of major cross-border initiatives. Particular attention was paid to the development of the TAPI and TAP projects, which are seen as the basis for long-term sustainability in Central and South Asia, as well as the need to coordinate energy policy and exchange technical data. It was noted that the expansion of transport and energy infrastructure would stimulate trade and strengthen regional stability. The meeting concluded with a confirmation of the readiness to accelerate initiatives in the field of sustainable development and diversification of energy sources.
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